BOSELLI ON IMPORTANT CUP WIN

Last night’s goal scorer believes staying in the FA Cup is vital in more ways than one.

The goal was really important but I have to score more goals to get more chances for the first team."

Mauro Boselli

Mauro Boselli’s stunning first half goal sent Latics through to the fourth round of the FA Cup with Budweiser as they knocked out AFC Bournemouth in last night’s FA Cup third round replay.

The Argentinian international was happy for his team mates and for the 250 fans that made the long journey to the south coast.

He said:

“It was really important to get the win for our supporters who traveled such a long distance.

“The weather was cold and we did our best to get them cheering to keep warm.

“Staying in the cup is a big thing for us and it gives the fans a great fourth round game away at Macclesfield Town.

“It also gives the players another chance to prove themselves and impress the gaffer.”

Boselli’s goal on 18 minutes proved unstoppable for Bournemouth keeper Shwan Jalal and the 27-year-old revealed his secret to success after some pre-match insight from Latics’ goalkeeper coach Inaki Bergara.

Boselli said:

“Inaki told me in the warm up that the ball is really light so that if I hit shots from distance then the goalkeeper would be in trouble, so I just took advantage of what he said to me.

“The goal was really important but I have to score more goals to get more chances for the first team.

“It was a special goal in terms of the way it went in and I just saw an opportunity to shoot and took it.”

Boselli admitted that it was a tough night for Latics in the cold conditions and that the pitch gave them an extra element to think about during the game.

“The game was made a lot more interesting and testing because of the condition of the pitch because we couldn’t play our game and that was probably what affected us in terms of getting some real rhythm to our play for long periods.

He added:

“Bournemouth chose to play very direct and get crosses into the box, so everyone had to dig in deep and defend.

“They have some very talented players and a very good team ethic, so you can see why they have been doing so well.”